Sepsis – Every Second Counts

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by the body’s overwhelming response to an infection. Sepsis develops when an existing infection triggers an extreme immune system response in the body. The body responds by releasing proteins and other chemicals to fight it. Sepsis occurs when this response gets out of control, triggering extensive inflammation. Severe sepsis can lead to septic shock, a medical emergency and without urgent treatment, it can be fatal.

Stages of Sepsis 

There are 3 stages of Sepsis – see flow chart opposite:

Sepsis Symptoms

It’s possible to mistake the symptoms above for those of another condition, like?pneumonia, COVID-19, or cancer. 

In addition, sepsis symptoms can be particularly hard to identify in infants, children, and people with: 

  • communication challenges 
  • learning disabilities 
  • dementia 

It’s best to seek medical assistance right away if you suspect sepsis. A health professional can examine you or the person you care for to make a diagnosis.

Who does sepsis affect? 

Sepsis can affect anyone, but people with any kind of infection, especially bacteraemia, are at a particularly high risk. 

Other people who are at a high risk include: 

  • People older than 65 years old,?new borns?and infants, and pregnant people. 
  • People with medical conditions such as?diabetes,?obesity,?cancer?and?kidney disease. 
  • People with weakened immune systems. 
  • People who are in the hospital for other medical reasons. 
  • People with severe injuries, such as large?burns?or wounds 
  • People with weaker immune systems, including people with?HIV?or those undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer 
  • People in intensive care units (ICUs)  
  • People exposed to invasive devices, like intravenous catheters or breathing tubes 

Treatment for sepsis 

Sepsis needs treatment in hospital straight away because it can get worse quickly. 

You should get antibiotics within 1 hour of arriving at hospital. 

If sepsis is not treated early, it can turn into septic shock and cause your organs to fail. This is life threatening. 

You may need other tests or treatments depending on your symptoms, including: 

  • treatment in an intensive care unit 
  • a machine to help you breathe (ventilator) 
  • surgery to remove areas of infection 
  • You may need to stay in hospital for several weeks. 

Recovering from sepsis 

Most people make a full recovery from sepsis. But it can take time. 

You might continue to have physical and emotional symptoms. These can last for months, or even years, after you had sepsis. 

These long-term effects are sometimes called post-sepsis syndrome, and can include: 

  • feeling very tired and weak, and difficulty sleeping 
  • lack of appetite 
  • getting ill more often 
  • changes in your mood, or anxiety or depression 
  • nightmares or flashbacks 
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

DO.

  • ask your work about changes to your working hours or conditions while you’re recovering 
  • do some gentle easy exercises to build your strength (see https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/strength-exercises/) 
  • get regular rest and sleep 
  • try to prevent infections – for example, by washing your hands regularly 
  • try to eat little and often if you have a small appetite 

DON’T

  • do not try to rush your recovery – give yourself time